Written Answers Thursday 19 October 2006

Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body

Video Conferencing

Richard Lochhead (Moray) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to what extent resources are available to MSPs to access video conferencing facilities in both the Parliament and their constituency offices to enable them to carry out parliamentary and constituency duties.

Kenny MacAskill: The Scottish Parliament has a dedicated video conferencing suite in the Holyrood building. The suite is available to book by members for use as a general meeting room or as a video conferencing facility. Where video conferencing facilities are requested these will be given priority over general meetings held in the room.

  In addition to the dedicated video conferencing suite, a second mobile unit is available for use within the Holyrood building. The unit is primarily used by Committees gathering evidence, but is available for wider use on request.

  Both of the units available at Holyrood utilise ISDN technology to provide high quality video conferencing solutions. Any compatible ISDN video conferencing device can be used to connect to the Parliament’s conferencing facilities from local offices or any other location. The BIT Office is happy to answer any questions on compatibility or to give guidance to Members wishing to purchase video conferencing equipment.

  The BIT Office is scheduled to review video conferencing provision at Holyrood during the fourth quarter of financial year 2006-07. As part of this exercise, consideration will be given to enhancing the current facilities by offering additional technologies such as IP based desktop conferencing solutions. It is envisaged that this review will inform any purchasing decisions in time for members returning after the election.